Surigao's history dates back centuries. The winds of change that swept the province from the four corners of the world has witnessed the meeting of diverse local and foreign influences which nurtured the emergence of a unique and distinct Surigaonon culture.

Surigao del Norte once a part of an old territory that existed in Northern Mindanao called "Caraga" named after the people called Calagaus" believed to be of Visayan origin who inhabited the place at the time.

In 1538, the eastern coast of Mindanao which included the present province of Surigao del Norte was visited by a Portuguese-born Spaniard explorer Francisco de Castro, in the expedition from Ternate in search of Luisa found the place inhabited by the Caraga tribe who were believed to be of Visayan origin. There upon , baptized the inhabitants to Christianity.